Doncic makes history with 73-point explosion, leads Mavs over Hawks on Friday
The Dallas Mavericks outlasted the Atlanta Hawks, 148-143, at State Farm Arena on Friday.
Both teams entered Friday’s contest on three-game losing streaks. The Hawks (18-27) held a four-point lead after the first quarter, but the Mavericks (25-20) scored 39 points in the second frame to tie the game heading into halftime. Dallas continued to pour it on the offensive end, out-scoring Atlanta 42-36 in the third quarter and pushed their lead by as much as 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Hawks matched bucket for bucket towards the end of the contest, but couldn’t do enough to gain meaningful ground and dropped to 8-13 at home, while the Mavericks improved to 12-9 on the road.
It was a historic night for All-Star guard Luka Doncic, who led the way with 73 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He became the 10th player in NBA history to score 70-plus points in a game and joins David Thompson, Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain in reaching the 73-point plateau. Josh Green contributed 21 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Derek Lively finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Tim Hardaway led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, 11 rebounds and three steals for his 27th double-double of the year. Jalen Johnson added 25 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Dejounte Murray tallied 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in reserve.
Next up, the Mavericks return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, while the Hawks welcome in the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
Both teams entered Friday’s contest on three-game losing streaks. The Hawks (18-27) held a four-point lead after the first quarter, but the Mavericks (25-20) scored 39 points in the second frame to tie the game heading into halftime. Dallas continued to pour it on the offensive end, out-scoring Atlanta 42-36 in the third quarter and pushed their lead by as much as 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Hawks matched bucket for bucket towards the end of the contest, but couldn’t do enough to gain meaningful ground and dropped to 8-13 at home, while the Mavericks improved to 12-9 on the road.
It was a historic night for All-Star guard Luka Doncic, who led the way with 73 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He became the 10th player in NBA history to score 70-plus points in a game and joins David Thompson, Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain in reaching the 73-point plateau. Josh Green contributed 21 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Derek Lively finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Tim Hardaway led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, 11 rebounds and three steals for his 27th double-double of the year. Jalen Johnson added 25 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Dejounte Murray tallied 22 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in reserve.
Next up, the Mavericks return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, while the Hawks welcome in the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
Pacers Rally To Top Suns
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 133-131, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Suns led, 40-31, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second as the visitors outscored the Pacers, 40-39, to take a 10-point lead into the break. Both sides came out hot again in the third, but neither team could make much of a difference, as the Pacers trimmed it to a nine-point game heading into the final frame. The Pacers picked up momentum in the fourth and chipped away until they tied it up at 129, with just over a minute left. The Suns answered by reclaiming a two-point edge, but the Pacers came up with the tying bucket, a stop and the winning bucket in the final seconds to secure their second straight win. This also marks the end of a seven-game win streak for the Suns.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 31 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Obi Toppin followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, off the bench. Aaron Nesmith added 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Andrew Nembhard finished with 22 points, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker poured in 62 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Eric Gordon chipped in 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Suns (26-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Pacers (26-20) play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Suns led, 40-31, after one quarter. Both sides kept up the pace in the second as the visitors outscored the Pacers, 40-39, to take a 10-point lead into the break. Both sides came out hot again in the third, but neither team could make much of a difference, as the Pacers trimmed it to a nine-point game heading into the final frame. The Pacers picked up momentum in the fourth and chipped away until they tied it up at 129, with just over a minute left. The Suns answered by reclaiming a two-point edge, but the Pacers came up with the tying bucket, a stop and the winning bucket in the final seconds to secure their second straight win. This also marks the end of a seven-game win streak for the Suns.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 31 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Obi Toppin followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, off the bench. Aaron Nesmith added 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Andrew Nembhard finished with 22 points, eight assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker poured in 62 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks, in 38 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, while Eric Gordon chipped in 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Suns (26-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Pacers (26-20) play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday.
Rockets Throttle Hornets, 138-104
The Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 138-104, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The game would turn out to truly be a tale of two halves, with the Rockets (21-23) unable to shake a feisty Hornets (10-33) squad during the first two quarters. Houston went into intermission ahead by only two points, but the tide would turn for good during a third quarter when the visitors outscored Charlotte by 44-25 margin. That essentially made the final period a formality, but the Rockets kept coming in the fourth quarter and ultimately added another 13 points to their margin of victory.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 36 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Cam Whitmore generated a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Fred VanVleet furnished 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, five blocks and one steal. Amen Thompson registered 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Dillon Brooks netted 12 points, while Alperen Sengun registered 11 points, seven assists, six boards and one block.
Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 21 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. LaMelo Ball finished with 15 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nick Richards delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. P.J. Washington posted 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Nick Smith Jr. netted 10 points.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday evening, while the Hornets host the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
The game would turn out to truly be a tale of two halves, with the Rockets (21-23) unable to shake a feisty Hornets (10-33) squad during the first two quarters. Houston went into intermission ahead by only two points, but the tide would turn for good during a third quarter when the visitors outscored Charlotte by 44-25 margin. That essentially made the final period a formality, but the Rockets kept coming in the fourth quarter and ultimately added another 13 points to their margin of victory.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 36 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Cam Whitmore generated a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Fred VanVleet furnished 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, five blocks and one steal. Amen Thompson registered 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Dillon Brooks netted 12 points, while Alperen Sengun registered 11 points, seven assists, six boards and one block.
Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 21 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. LaMelo Ball finished with 15 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nick Richards delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. P.J. Washington posted 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Nick Smith Jr. netted 10 points.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday evening, while the Hornets host the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
Clippers Thump Raptors, 127-107
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 127-107, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Clippers (29-14) came in as road favorites over the reeling Raptors (16-29), and their play fit the bill during a first half in which they forged a 66-52 lead. Los Angeles then held Toronto at bay during a third quarter in which they played their hosts to a 29-29 draw, laying the groundwork to win going away in the final period. The visitors shot 50.5 percent and held the Raps to 18.8 percent shooting from three-point range. L.A. also enjoyed a sizable 91.7 percent - 59.1 percent edge in free-throw shooting.
James Harden led the Clippers with a 22-point, 13-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included a steal and a block. Paul George supplied 21 points, two rebounds, one assist, two bocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook registered 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Norman Powell delivered 17 points, four rebounds and one steal. Kawhi Leonard totaled 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Mason Plumlee generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 23 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. RJ Barrett turned in 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder managed 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Gary Trent matched Schroder's scoring and added three assists and one rebound. Thaddeus Young supplied 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Raptors visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening.
The Clippers (29-14) came in as road favorites over the reeling Raptors (16-29), and their play fit the bill during a first half in which they forged a 66-52 lead. Los Angeles then held Toronto at bay during a third quarter in which they played their hosts to a 29-29 draw, laying the groundwork to win going away in the final period. The visitors shot 50.5 percent and held the Raps to 18.8 percent shooting from three-point range. L.A. also enjoyed a sizable 91.7 percent - 59.1 percent edge in free-throw shooting.
James Harden led the Clippers with a 22-point, 13-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included a steal and a block. Paul George supplied 21 points, two rebounds, one assist, two bocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook registered 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Norman Powell delivered 17 points, four rebounds and one steal. Kawhi Leonard totaled 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Mason Plumlee generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 23 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. RJ Barrett turned in 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder managed 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Gary Trent matched Schroder's scoring and added three assists and one rebound. Thaddeus Young supplied 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Raptors visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening.
Thunder Roll Past Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 107-83, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans led, 24-22, after one quarter. The Thunder turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 28-17, to take a nine-point lead into the break. The visitors maintained the upper hand through the third and pushed their cushion up to 13 points entering the final frame. The Pelicans could not find an answer in the fourth, as the Thunder closed out their fifth straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 32 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 20 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, while Jalen Williams tallied 15 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas and Herbert jones finished with 14 points each to lead the Pelicans. CJ McCollum added 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Brandon Ingram had 12 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two blocks.
The Pelicans (26-19) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday. The Thunder (32-13) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans led, 24-22, after one quarter. The Thunder turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the hosts, 28-17, to take a nine-point lead into the break. The visitors maintained the upper hand through the third and pushed their cushion up to 13 points entering the final frame. The Pelicans could not find an answer in the fourth, as the Thunder closed out their fifth straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 32 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 20 points, 13 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, while Jalen Williams tallied 15 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas and Herbert jones finished with 14 points each to lead the Pelicans. CJ McCollum added 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Brandon Ingram had 12 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two blocks.
The Pelicans (26-19) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday. The Thunder (32-13) take on the Pistons in Detroit on Sunday.
Cavs Stun Bucks In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 112-100, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Cavs led, 30-28, after one quarter. The Bucks picked up their play in the second and outscored the visitors by five points in the quarter to claim a three-point lead at the break. The Cavs brought a better effort in the third and pulled ahead for a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts could not get back on track, as the Cavs rallied to the finish for their ninth win in the last 10 games. This also marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Bucks.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Jarrett Allen followed up with 24 points, 14 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, while Max Strus tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Damian Lillard finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, to lead the way for the Bucks. Khris Middleton added 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Bucks (31-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Saturday. The Cavs (27-16) play host to the Clippers on Monday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Cavs led, 30-28, after one quarter. The Bucks picked up their play in the second and outscored the visitors by five points in the quarter to claim a three-point lead at the break. The Cavs brought a better effort in the third and pulled ahead for a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The hosts could not get back on track, as the Cavs rallied to the finish for their ninth win in the last 10 games. This also marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Bucks.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in 37 minutes. Jarrett Allen followed up with 24 points, 14 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, while Max Strus tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo totaled 22 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Damian Lillard finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, to lead the way for the Bucks. Khris Middleton added 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
The Bucks (31-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Saturday. The Cavs (27-16) play host to the Clippers on Monday.
Grizzlies Defeat Magic, 107-106
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 107-106, at FedEx Forum on Friday.
While there were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in the first half, Memphis never relinquished the lead in the second half after a 37-28 second quarter. With that said, the Magic had a game-winning attempt at the buzzer but fell short. Neither team led by more than 11 points in this game. Memphis shot 37 percent from three-point range (15-of-41), while Orlando shot 27 percent (9-of-34). The Grizzlies also out-assisted the Magic, 30-21, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 16-11.
The Magic (23-22) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 27 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Wendell Carter Jr collected 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner finished with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Markelle Fultz had 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies (18-27) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 30 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Luke Kennard compiled 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. Santi Aldama accrued 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Vince Williams totaled 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ziaire Williams led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Orlando returning home to play the Phoenix Suns and Memphis traveling to face the Indiana Pacers.
While there were 10 ties and 12 lead changes in the first half, Memphis never relinquished the lead in the second half after a 37-28 second quarter. With that said, the Magic had a game-winning attempt at the buzzer but fell short. Neither team led by more than 11 points in this game. Memphis shot 37 percent from three-point range (15-of-41), while Orlando shot 27 percent (9-of-34). The Grizzlies also out-assisted the Magic, 30-21, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 16-11.
The Magic (23-22) were led by Paolo Banchero, providing 27 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Wendell Carter Jr collected 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner finished with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Markelle Fultz had 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies (18-27) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr, generating 30 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Luke Kennard compiled 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. Santi Aldama accrued 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Vince Williams totaled 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ziaire Williams led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Orlando returning home to play the Phoenix Suns and Memphis traveling to face the Indiana Pacers.
Spurs Defeat Blazers, 116-100
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 116-100, at Frost Bank Center on Friday.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes in the first half, San Antonio never gave up the lead after a 36-24 second quarter. They also outscored the Trail Blazers in the second half, 54-43, getting their lead up to 18 points at times. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. San Antonio shot 46 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 42 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. The Spurs out-rebounded the Trail Blazers, 59-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-44.
The Trail Blazers (13-32) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 40 points, two rebounds and 10 assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson both suffered injuries in the first half. Toumani Camara led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Spurs (9-36) were led by Jeremy Sochan, finishing with 31 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Victor Wembanyama tallied 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Devin Vassell amassed 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tre Jones tallied nine points, seven assists and three steals, while Keldon Johnson led the bench with 21 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks.
San Antonio has to play again on Saturday, staying home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Portland, they return to action on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes in the first half, San Antonio never gave up the lead after a 36-24 second quarter. They also outscored the Trail Blazers in the second half, 54-43, getting their lead up to 18 points at times. That allowed them to maintain a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. San Antonio shot 46 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 42 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. The Spurs out-rebounded the Trail Blazers, 59-37, while outscoring them in the paint, 60-44.
The Trail Blazers (13-32) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 40 points, two rebounds and 10 assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson both suffered injuries in the first half. Toumani Camara led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Spurs (9-36) were led by Jeremy Sochan, finishing with 31 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Victor Wembanyama tallied 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Devin Vassell amassed 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tre Jones tallied nine points, seven assists and three steals, while Keldon Johnson led the bench with 21 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks.
San Antonio has to play again on Saturday, staying home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Portland, they return to action on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls.